There are so many things I’m looking forward to in the next year. I’m looking forward to all the new memories, growth, and learning I’ll do in 2021. In 2021, I’m hoping to get closer to the girls in my sorority. It was hard getting to really bond and form a strong connection with many […]
How do you celebrate Christmas at your home? My family and I have several old traditions – and a few that have been updated for 2020. I have fond memories of baking and decorating cookies and gingerbread houses with my sisters. They now live far away and cannot come home for Christmas due to the […]
Two years ago we adopted a little Cairn Terrier that I named Scout. He is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Scout is a very smart, thoughtful, entertaining little companion. We brought Scout home when he was nine weeks old. Many years ago, it took our previous pup about one week to go up […]
I am an essential worker and work as a janitor. I did not have to be quarantined. We are the only two Goodwill of the Gulf Coast locations working during Gov. Kay Ivey’s Stay at Home Order in April (GWI Coast Guard and Federal Building). We get our temperature check, the same as if you […]
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Some people may wonder if therapy does any good so let me tell you about my therapy story. It starts in 2010 when I had brain surgery at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham to eliminate seizures. You can click here to read my surgery story. The surgery was a success, […]
I’m currently in my sophomore year of college at Auburn University at Montgomery. Last year I experienced what living with roommates is like. I quickly figured out that I do better living without roommates, at least for now. So, at the beginning of this year, I decided it would be best if I moved back […]
How do you stay close with your friends and family if you’re separated during this time? Many ways to stay connected with them are available these days, such as social media, Facebook, text, and Facetime chats. Some social media platforms have apps for our iPhones and iPads. I have found that using Facebook and texting […]
One thing I love about Camp are the activities. One of my favorite activities at ASCCA is tubing. I love tubing because I hardly get to tube ever because of my disability. Tubing gives me so much joy because I get to be out of my wheelchair. One of my other favorite activities to do […]
My name is Chad Graddick and I was diagnosed with autism when I was 14 months old. I could not speak until at least 7 years old. In 1988, I started attending Camp Mobile Rotary at Camp ASCCA, which was held every summer. I found out about Camp ASCCA through Goodwill of the Gulf Coast. […]
I first wrote about epilepsy in my introductory blog, which you can read here. August 10 will mark 10 years since my brain surgery and my last seizure ever! I cannot wait to celebrate this year with my family. I am very blessed that the surgery was a successful one, and I will never forget […]
